American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

Updated 7:25 PM ET, Sat June 6, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner American Pharoah wins the 147th running of the Belmont Stakes in New York on Saturday, June 6, to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown since Affirmed did so in 1978.

Hide Caption

1 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza, wins the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore on Saturday, May 16. American Pharoah would become the 12th horse in history to win the Triple Crown -- and the first since 1978 -- if he wins the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6.

Hide Caption

2 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

American Pharoah leads the field into the first turn of the Preakness. The Preakness is the second leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby.

American Pharoah is bathed after a training session in Baltimore on Friday, May 15.

Hide Caption

6 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

People arrive for the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2. American Pharoah was the favorite going into the race.

Hide Caption

7 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

The crowd watches American Pharoah win the Derby and its $1.2 million prize.

Hide Caption

8 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

From left, American Pharoah, Firing Line and Dortmund lead the field as they head for the Derby finish line.

Hide Caption

9 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

In a thrilling finale, American Pharoah edged Firing Line at the post.

Hide Caption

10 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

It marked a second straight Derby win for Espinoza, who was victorious last year with California Chrome. California Chrome also won the Preakness but came up short in the Belmont.

Hide Caption

11 of 12

Photos:American Pharoah's Triple Crown crusade

American Pharoah's owner, Ahmed Zayat, is sprayed with champagne in the Derby celebrations. Zayat made his money predominantly from selling his Egyptian brewing business to Heineken for an estimated $280 million.

Hide Caption

12 of 12

American Pharoah becomes the 12th horse to take the Triple Crown with a win at the Belmont Stakes on June 6. See photos of his rise to become the first horse to earn the title since 1978.